Positive Psychology – ‘Sunny Side Up’ Radio CCR

Wow! I’ve just listened to a new radio programme called ‘Sunny Side Up’ on CCR (104.4FM). The programme is a wonderful show around the subject of the science of happiness (positive psychology). It’s a great combination of uplifting music, interesting facts, and chat about how to become happier. The show’s resident happiness experts are Lee Newitt and Tracy Richardson, who sound as they have been working as professional radio presenters for ages but, apparently they are completely new to this medium.

Sharing their sunny sides

Lee and Tracy are both studying for a MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) at Bucks New University, High Wycombe and can now share a wealth of interesting, useful and highly practical information with their listeners about how we can all feel happier . On this first show they shared the details of what brings them personal happiness and joy and invited the views of their Facebook followers, fellow MAPP students and MAPP course leader, Dr. Matthew Smith. Lee was a delegate on one of Positive Psychology Learning’s ‘Introduction to Positive Psychology‘ courses which is run with academic partners Bucks New University. and met Tracy on the MAPP course.

The little happiness experts

The show offers a compelling look at the subject and science of happiness from a number of different perspectives including comments from some happiness experts from Year 4 at Willow Brook Primary School, Colchester. Asked what made them happy, it was refreshing to hear that playing and being with friends and family were the most common themes expressed – a great relief for those of us who fear than nowadays children are spending increasing amounts of time alone using personal technology. These children seem to have a natural instinct for what the science of positive psychology shows is beneficial for optimal wellbeing – social interaction, physical activity and gratitude, or are these children at a school where positive psychology is part of the curriculum?

Creating a happy community

What I like about this programme is that it is reaching out into the community and bringing the science that can help people to flourish to those who may not otherwise come across it. Although there is an element of educating the listeners about Positive Psychology, it is more about sharing tips and information about how to live a happier life that can be easily and simply applied. I expect this community will grow over the following weeks and months and I congratulate Lee and Tracy on not just having this idea for a radio programme but the grit and determination to see it through to reality.

Looking forward to the future

There are so many interesting aspects to Positive Psychology and I’m looking forward to these themes being explored in future shows and hearing more from the live ‘Out and About’ broadcasts. As someone who passionately believes that everyone has the right to be happy and that Positive Psychology should be a freely available resource for all, radio seems the obvious place to reach many people and perhaps a TV programme as well?

Keep your sunny side up

I urge you to listen to this show and become a regular listener. It only takes a small change to make a positive difference and here you will learn which changes have been shown to be most effective. You can follow on Twitter and Facebook too.

I wonder if Lee or Tracy have ever listened to the song ‘Keep Your Sunny Side Up’ by Judy Garland. Obviously, it is well before their time but the lyrics seem particularly appropriate.